Portugal Head Coach Believes Team Likely to Reach Round of 16 at FIFA World Cup

SARANSK (Sputnik) - Portugal head coach Fernando Santos said on Sunday he believed his team would make it to the FIFA World Cup round of 16.
Sputnik

Portugal will face Iran on Monday in Saransk in their final Group B match. Both teams have a chance to reach the knockout stage, as well as Spain, who will play against Morocco on the same day.

"Tomorrow will be a wonderful, spectacular game. Both teams want to win, we must be ready for a tough fight, but I think we will make it to the round of 16," Santos said at the pre-match press conference.

He added that Iran were a strong and well-organized team, stressing that they did not focus on defense alone and "know how to counter-attack."

READ MORE: Iran Captain Says Team 'Going Strong' Ahead of Portugal Match

If Portugal make it to the knockout stage, they will play against Uruguay or Russia from Group A.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the matches being played in 11 cities across Russia.

READ MORE: Forward Dzyuba Wants Russia to Face Portugal in Round of 16 at FIFA World Cup

Discuss